Ghosting Or Just Lost? Alexandra Guio

Alexandra Guio

Alexandra Guio is not missing – she is just ghosting Paula Blackmon and city staff – after her appointment to the Dallas Redistricting Commission and recent decision to launch a campaign for House District 114.

Alexandra Guio

Guio was appointed to the Redistricting Commission in early March 2021. Local city rules prohibit city council appointees from being candidates or treasurers for political campaigns.

Guio’s news comes after Paul Ridley demanded the removal of former D14 City Council Member David Blewett’s appointee to the Redistricting Commission.

Alexandra Guio

Guio did not respond to a call from Other Side Dallas, but at least one other candidate was not surprised.

“Alex thinks she is going to roll into progressive HD114 as a former Republican with a commitment problem and we’re going to let that slide,” said a local Democratic activist.

Currently, there are four announced candidates in the race for HD114: Charlie Gearing, Chris Leal, and Kendall Scudder. There is the possibility of a fifth candidate entering the race shortly.

Keep Dallas Safe Unable To Protect Eric Johnson

Keep Dallas Safe

Keep Dallas Safe (KDS) failed in spectacular fashion at protecting the political strength of Eric Johnson as polls closed on the Dallas City Council election.

Keep Dallas Safe

While not directly linked, observers noted that KDS was pushing candidates supportive of Eric Johnson’s agenda including pushing out current city council incumbents Jaime Resensez (D5), Adam Bazaldua (D7), and Paula Blackmon (D9).

They sent multiple mailers which some described as “klanlike” and direct from “MAGA World” – a reference to previous support for Donald Trump.

In District 5, Mayor Johnson supported Yolanda Williams who came in third missing the run off, and in District 7 he supported Donald Parish Jr., who also had the endorsements of Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and State Senator Royce West.

(West has ties to a prominent Trump financial backer and was pushed by potential opponent John Cornyn in his runoff with MJ Hegar.)

Keep Dallas Safe – Another North Dallas Astroturf Operation?

Earlier this year, Dallas Observer noted Daniel Taylor was linked to a similar astroturf operation in New Orleans where actors were paid to attend public meetings.

Keep Dallas Safe

In the Dallas City Council elections, Keep Dallas Safe also opposed Paula Blackmon who easily cruised to re-election against two opponents avoiding a run off in Elections 2021. They also chose to attack Jaynie Schultz in D11.

It is unclear how active KDS will be involved with run offs in District 7 and District 11. The other major winner was Chad West who also won his re-election easily.

One campaign staff member stated they were already gearing up for his mayoral run in two years. West has been increasingly outspoken including taking exception with staff over COVID19 vaccine rollouts. Given Johnson’s recent record, there are rumors he may not run for re-election.